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FAQs

What will I receive as a Zoo Parent?

All Zoo Parents receive a personalised adoption certificate, information about the animal you adopt, a year’s subscription to the quarterly Wild Life colour magazine and a monthly e-newsletter about what is happening at the Zoo.

Horizon, River and Jungle level adopters also receive acknowledgement on the Online Gallery and a photo of their adopted animal.

River and Jungle level adopters are also acknowledged on the Zoo Parent Honour Roll in the Zoo grounds.

Jungle level adopters also receive a behind-the-scenes experience.

When will I receive my Zoo Parent welcome pack?

For E-doptions you will receive your online pack two business days from when payment has been processed. For all other levels please allow up to 10 business days after payment has been processed.

If you need your pack sooner we can send it by Express Post for an additional charge of $10.

As I am buying Zoo Parent as a gift, will the pack still be sent to me?

You can choose to have the pack sent to you or directly to the recipient. After the initial welcome pack, all other benefits will be sent to the recipient unless otherwise requested. Details on how to renew the gift will be sent first of all to the purchaser.

How many people can adopt an animal?

There is no limit to the number of people who can adopt each animal. Families, businesses, sports clubs etc. can all adopt an animal.

How long does my animal adoption last>

Zoo Parent animal adoption last for 12 months. After 12 months we will write and ask you whether you want to continue your adoption as a Zoo Parent.

Can I change my animal?

Animal adoption lasts for 12 months – after this period you can adopt the same animal or change and adopt a different animal.

Is my Zoo Parent adoption tax deductible?

Yes, Zoo Parent is 100% tax deductible. Occasionally Zoo Parent may offer non-tax deductible adoptions – where this happens this will be clearly stated. Ele-doption is not tax deductable.

Do I get a free ticket to come and visit my animal?

Currently the only way to do this is to buy a Zoo Parent pack from the Taronga Zoo shop which comes with a free ticket to either Zoo. This Zoo Parent pack is not tax deductible. Inclusion of free tickets to the Zoo may be re-introduced to the Zoo Parent program at a later stage.

Can I adopt an individual animal?

Zoo Parents support a species of animal, rather than an individual animal.

Does my money go directly to the animal I am adopting?

The money raised by Zoo Parent animal adoption is pooled for all animals in our two Zoos. We do not separate the money raised for each of the species. This is not only difficult and expensive to administer but is also unfair for those animals that do not receive as much adoption support.

What is the money used for?

Funds raised through the Zoo Parent program are used to provide support for all the animals at Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos. As well as providing the best possible home for animals in our Zoos, the Taronga Foundation (of which Zoo Parent is a part) also contributes to international research and education programs on endangered species around the world, as well as assisting with the conservation, breeding and preservation of wildlife and habitats.

Which animals tend to attract fewer adoptions?

The least adopted animals include the reptiles, birds and other, rather unusual, animals that many people have not heard of before visiting our Zoos.

Can I adopt more than one animal?

You can adopt as many animals as you like. With over 350 species of animals at our two Zoos there are a lot to choose from.

I am moving house where can I update my details?

Please email zooparent@zoo.nsw.gov.au with your full name and current address as well as your new address. Alternatively you can call us on 1300 369 116.

Any other questions?

If you have a question which is not covered above please email our Zoo Parent office on zooparent@zoo.nsw.gov.auand we will respond as soon as we can. The Zoo Parent office is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). If your query is urgent please call 02 9978 4540

I have not received my Zoo Parent pack.

If you have not received your Zoo Parent pack after 10 business days, or two business days for E-dopt, from payment you can email us at zooparent@zoo.nsw.gov.au or call on 1300 369 116. If you have ordered an E-doption please also check your junk mail folder.

Can I cancel my adoption?

Zoo Parent animal adoption is for 12 months and can be stopped after this time. The funds from Zoo Parent are a donation to the work of Taronga Zoo. Your contribution is, therefore, tax deductible and unfortunately no refunds can be given.